Park Wavelengths - February 2010

 

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

The full moon rises at perigee (when the moon is closest to the center of the earth) on February 27, Sachau-da, moon of the cold winds for Kashaya Pomo. Mornings will have dramatic highs in the 6 foot range with corresponding lows in the late afternoon.

Friday, February 26 3:18 p.m. -0.8 feet
Saturday, February 27 4:00 p.m. -0.7 feet
Sunday, February 28 4:41 p.m. -0.4 feet

The annual seal protection measures begin on Monday, March 1st, as harbor seal pupping begins. Drakes Estero closes to boating as does South Blue Gums Beach on Tomales Bay. Harbor seals, silvery in color and much smaller than elephant seals, will begin returning to the protected coves along Drakes Estero and in Tomales Bay to deliver and nurse pups. The parents may leave the pup ashore for short periods of time while they catch a meal in the water—be sure to give all seals on land a wide berth to allow them to rest during this critical period of their life cycle.

Elephant seals continue to depart the Headlands with plenty of activity between males after the females and pups turning up on Limantour Beach and Drakes Beach. Many of the young seals are molting and their paler old coat will appear torn up. This raggedy appearance is normal and they are conserving energy by lying on the beach as their new fur grows.

Marin County Open Space leads a walk at Chimney Rock on Wednesday, February 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Meet at the parking lot and be dressed for wild and wooly weather! More flowers bloomed over the past holiday weekend warm spell. Pink Checkerbloom appeared and plenty of elephant seals may also be viewed.

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010

The new moon rises on Saturday, February 13, closest to the spring equinox. It signals the start of Chinese Lunar New Year, the year of the Tiger! High tides in the 5–6 foot range arrive in the mornings with lows late in the day.

The Northern Elephant Seal season has peaked for the year. A high of 1276 total seals were counted along the various Headland locations; slightly lower than last years numbers, with more males counted this year than last year. Several males surfed the 7-foot tides up to the Drake Beach parking lot last week; returning with the next high tide to more comfortable nap spots on lower sand beaches. Whale sightings are at their customary February lull. We'll hope to see the return northern migration beginning in a few weeks.

Wildflowers continue to bloom thanks to the cycles of rain and sun; lot's of miner’s lettuce with its tiny white flowers and huge leaves; Bay trees have begun to flower; chocolate lilies or mission bells have been seen along the Chimney Rock trail. Domestic daffodils are in bloom at the Hostel in the old bulb farm area.

All park visitor centers will be open on the Monday, February 15, Presidents Holiday weekend, and shuttles will be operating if the weather is clear.

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Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Forwarded to Park Wavelengths Subscribers

Subject: Federal Highways Administration Road Inventory Collection Arrival - PORE
Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2010

The Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) Road Inventory Program collection crew will be arriving at Point Reyes National Seashore (PORE) on approximately Thursday, February 11, 2010, to begin data collection of our paved roads. Once data collection begins, they estimate it will take one day to complete. They are not able to collect when the roads are wet so depending on the weather collection time may vary. They will be at Golden Gate National Recreation Area prior to arriving at PORE so if we they a delay there it will change their arrival date at your park.

They will be running two collection vehicles in tandem. One of the vans is a yellow Ford E-350 and the other is a white Ford E-350. They both look unusual with sensors on the front and cameras that hang off the back. The vans have a government license plate on the back and FHWA logos on the side and back doors. During collection they typically travel between 13.5 and 35 miles per hour.

Please feel free to call me with any questions.

Jeffrey Jewhurst
Roads and Trails Supervisor
Division of Facility Management
Point Reyes National Seashore
415-464-5158

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Last updated: February 28, 2015

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1 Bear Valley Road
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

Phone:

415-464-5100
This number will initially be answered by an automated attendant, from which one can opt to access a name directory, listen to recorded information about the park (e.g., directions to the park; visitor center hours of operation; fire danger information; wildlife updates; ranger-led programs; seasonal events; etc.), or speak with a ranger. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call.

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